Meet Stayce Wagner of Spencer Crane Etiquette in Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stayce Wagner.

Stayce, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like many professionals in my field, my education in etiquette began early. My childhood and teen years were filled with charm school, modeling school, pageants, and ballet and music lessons. And like many other etiquette professionals, I was the family go-to for answers to etiquette dilemmas. But I didn’t consider a career in etiquette until I began thinking about a second career. After a twenty-year career as a litigation paralegal, I was ready for something different. And while I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, I knew that I wanted to help others.

What most people don’t know about me is that learning about the foster care system inspired me to start my business, Spencer Crane Etiquette. Many young people in foster care don’t have the opportunity to learn the life skills that are important to success — skills that so many of us take for granted. Offering business etiquette training was a small way for me to help them in their transition to adulthood.

Another thing that most people don’t know about me is that I had a very eclectic upbringing. I grew up around people from all walks of life. As a result, I am relatable and empathetic, qualities that are critical for my work. No one wants to feel judged, so as an etiquette lady, it is my duty to make an extra effort to ensure that everyone is comfortable.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it has been rewarding. Shortly after I started my business in Los Angeles, my husband’s work necessitated a move to Atlanta. My choice was simple: start over or fold. I chose to start over, but I faced what seemed to be impossible odds.  Other than two childhood friends, I knew no one, and I had no business contacts in Atlanta. If you know anything about how Atlanta works, you know that that is a recipe for failure.

But sometimes what seems like derailment is actually an opportunity. My move to Atlanta turned out to be great for my business. And because of my success here, I’m now expanding into other parts of the southeast.

Looking back, I can honestly say I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to start a business, but I’ve learned to love the process. Of course, no entrepreneur is successful without the support of others. I am very grateful to all of my new associates in Atlanta who took a chance on a flip-flop wearing etiquette lady from California.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Spencer Crane Etiquette story. Tell us more about it.
I am a career etiquette expert, an author, and the founder of Spencer Crane Etiquette, a boutique consulting firm that I established in 2011. I show the young professional how to use modern business etiquette to advance her career without sacrificing her authenticity. My clients include universities, non-profits, and corporations.

My focus as an etiquette expert is career success, not lifestyle issues. To quote Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex (and fellow California girl), I “focus less on glass slippers and more on pushing through glass ceilings.”

I love my work, and I enjoy teaching all of the topics that I offer, among them networking skills, dress to impress, business dining, office etiquette, authenticity at work, accountability at work, and personal brand management. However, what I love most about what I do is witnessing that aha moment when a young client realizes the valuable role these skills can play in boosting her confidence and career.

In 2018, I published my first book, “Modern Business Etiquette for Young & Fabulous Professionals,” which was named by BookAuthority.org as one of the best new etiquette books to read in 2019. Readers love its informative and relatable approach to business etiquette. It’s one of the many humbling surprises of my entrepreneurial journey – writing a book that actually helps other people!

How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
Of course, there is the financial component to success. Who doesn’t want to be financially rewarded for the work that they do? But after working in the legal field for twenty years, success also means being able to set my schedule. I get to decide when I’m going to work through the night or work over the weekend, which, ironically, is quite often!  But, most of all, success is being able to celebrate the victories and weather the setbacks of life with family and friends. It all means nothing if I can’t share it with the people I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.spencercrane.com
• Phone: 877-542-8787
• Email: info@spencercrane.com

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